I have a 1983 240 in need of a front passenger side strut - currently searching for parts for delivery to my (new) mechanic. I haven't had this car long, so can anybody tell me whether it's a REALLY big deal to get this repair done? Just want to know what I'm getting into - and whether to continue to shop for a mechanic. Can Volvo struts be rebuilt? Or am I buying new ones?

Hard to know if you need a strut cartridge of if the strut has rusted out. The cartridge is the front shock and should take a mechanic an hour per side. Two struts might be $100 in parts.Seems to me shops charge too much for the job. If the strut mount has rusted out the repair is a bit more.

Renee,

Your looking at buying new strut inserts, with luck you won't need anything else, but on a 18 year old car, not likely, unless you have service records from previous owner. Memory tells me the front, assuming like Boge Turbo Gas are around 75 bucks each. Not sure what the shops get for this job, maybe 3 hours labor per side. Good luck.